OCLC Research and ALISE name recipients of 2018 Library and Information Science Research Grants

OCLC Research and the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) have awarded research grants for three projects to be conducted by five researchers. The awards were presented February 8 at the ALISE 2018 Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in Denver, Colorado.

Rachel Clarke, Syracuse University, will investigate means for wider, more systematic approaches to promoting diverse reading materials in libraries, furthering encouragement of and advocacy for diverse reading and media consumption, especially by those people who might not otherwise be inclined to pursue such resources. This project aims to allow library users to think in new and unexpected ways about resources from populations traditionally marginalized in literature and publishing through new developments in knowledge organization that serve traditional library services.

Violeta Trkulja and Juliane Stiller, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, will examine the information seeking behavior of refugee migrants in Germany, while pursuing a job, a training position, or following an educational path on the Internet. Their study will contribute to a better understanding of the varying degrees of digital skills of migrant refugees that can be used to design targeted courses and curricula that address online deficits.

Alexander Voss and Anna Clements, University of St Andrews, will perform a study to characterize the adoption of ORCID iDs, the use cases and perceptions of the system among researchers in different research communities, barriers to uptake the possible interventions. This work will deliver unique insights into how the envisaged direct benefits of the use of ORCID iDs are materializing for those stakeholders who, by signing up and maintain their record, have to carry out the work that is essential for its success.

OCLC/ALISE Library and Information Science Research Grants support research that advances librarianship and information science, promotes independent research to help librarians integrate new technologies into areas of traditional competence, and contributes to a better understanding of the library environment.

Full-time academic faculty (or the equivalent) in schools of library and information science worldwide applied for these grants of up to $25,000. Proposals were evaluated by a panel selected by OCLC and ALISE. Supported projects are expected to be conducted within approximately one year from the date of the award and, as a condition of the grant, researchers must furnish a final project report at the end of the grant period.